Gul, Zaheer - the silent destroyers

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NEW DELHI, Mar 29 (AFP): Pakistani paceman Umar Gul has so far won just one man-of-the-match award and India seamer Zaheer Khan none, but they are their teams' silent World Cup destroyers. The duo are expected to have a huge impact when their teams clash in the blockbuster World Cup semi-final in Mohali on Wednesday, although they have been largely over-shadowed in the build-up to the match. Currently in focus are Indian opener Sachin Tendulkar's much-anticipated 100th international century, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi's leadership skills, Indian Yuvraj Singh's all-round exploits -- and the match pressure. Gul and Zaheer will definitely come into the picture when the ball is in their hands, whether new or old, because they have consistently provided crucial breakthroughs to help their sides seize the initiative. Spinners and batsmen were in the news more than pacemen in previous matches, but Zaheer and Gul managed to leave a mark with their disciplined efforts. Their main contribution to their teams' victories is they have succeeded in overcoming unfriendly conditions -- low, slow tracks -- with their clever variations in pace. Zaheer has so far bagged 17 wickets, the second-highest in the tournament, and Gul 14 in seven matches. Gul's lone man-of-the-match award came at Pallekele in Sri Lanka where be bagged 3-36 against Zimbabwe. India and Pakistan have often changed their bowling combinations but always relied on Zaheer and Gul, who were instrumental in creating pressure while their spinners struck from the other end.